EU/Government reaction: The Taoiseach yesterday said he was delighted Mr Charlie McCreevy had been allocated such a significant role as the EU's internal market commissioner, writes Carl O'Brien
Mr Ahern said his Cabinet colleague had the political expertise and experience to make a success of the post and deliver tangible benefits to all EU citizens.
"Charlie brings an extensive range of ministerial experience and personal ability to this job. For the past seven years as Finance Minister, he has overseen and managed unprecedented growth in Ireland," Mr Ahern said.
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, also welcomed the appointment and said Mr McCreevy would bring valuable experience to the post.
She said it was a "heavyweight" portfolio which contained major challenges, such as implementing the services directive, which requires member-states to cut the red tape that hinders cross-border competition.
Mr McCreevy, meanwhile, said he was particularly pleased to be allocated the "very significant" internal market portfolio.
He said it was a particularly challenging post in an enlarged EU that was aiming to become the most dynamic economic region in the world.
The elimination of barriers was critical to creating a "genuine single market" and was critical to the EU's prosperity.
Former EU commissioner, Mr Peter Sutherland, also congratulated Mr McCreevy for securing a "key economic role" in the new Commission.
"This is a portfolio of first rank. It is absolutely central to the functioning of the common market. It is a great achievement to have been allocated this responsibility," he said.
The Taoiseach added that the post was of even more importance following the enlargement of the EU.
"He has a real understanding of the European economy and has both the political experience and the technical expertise to make a success of the internal market," Mr Ahern said. "It is even more important now following the enlargement of the EU to 25 member-states that we create a level playing field which will allow businesses to trade freely through the union. The new commissioner for the internal market will make a significant contribution in this area," Mr Ahern said.